Netflix set to cruise past HBO in subscribers -- analyst

The relationship between HBO and Netflix has been less than cordial, but now the streaming provider may have a leg up.

Netflix may have ended the third quarter with 30 million paid US subscribers, analyst firm Needham & Co. revealed to Bloomberg on Monday. Market researcher SNL Kagan told Bloomberg that HBO ended the quarter with 28.7 million paid US subscribers.

HBO and Netflix have butted heads since the latter started up its streaming service. Netflix had hopes of bringing HBO programming to the service, but HBO has balked at such a move, deciding instead to go with its own streaming option, called HBO Go. Now, Netflix is treading on HBO's territory with its own original programming.

Still, HBO has what might be the trump card with its partnerships with cable companies. Recent reports, however, have suggested cable and satellite companies are coming around to Netflix and might soon integrate the streaming service into their lineup.